King on his way to Montpelllier

Highlanders prop Chris King will leave the Dunedin-based franchise to join Top 14 outfit Montpellier after the Super Rugby season.

Highlanders prop Chris King will leave the Dunedin-based franchise to join Top 14 outfit Montpellier after the Super Rugby season.

Montpellier's website said the 33-year-old - who can play on either side of the scrum - has signed a one-year deal. He will bolster Montpellier's front row and joins French David Attoub, who signed from Top 14 rivals Stade FranÃ§ais.

Highlanders general manager Roger Clark praised King for his services to the game in New Zealand.

"It's a nice way for him to sign off," Clark told Fairfax Media.

King has played over 100 matches for the Highlanders since his debut in 2005. His provincial career started with Canterbury in 2002 and he has also represented Otago, Taranaki and Southland, for who he played on 51 occasions.